Labor and Delivery...Beware!

Throughout the day on the 15th and 16th, I had a few contractions but didn't think very much of them. With Joe I had major back labor which was HORRIBLE so I wasn't exactly sure when the normal contractions were coming, but on the morning of the 17th around 7:30 I was pretty sure I was having them. I was super uncomfortable so I got up, took a long bath, packed up some stuff, got Joe's stuff ready, ate some breakfast and waited until my boys woke up at 10:00! I didn't want to wake Steve up because it was the weekend and he had a really long week at work, plus with Joe I was in labor went to the hospital but wasn't progressing so I got sent home for a few hours and I didn't want that to happen again. At 10 I called my fabulous cousin Jessica and told her I thought I was in labor and would be calling her back in probably 2 hours...Steve called her back in 30 minutes because I could no longer speak on the phone :) We rushed out the door ( I think I was crying in this picture and having a contraction) We had to get gas, next time we will be more prepared and then arrived at the hospital around 11:35. Jessica met us there to get Joe and the little cutie was so sad that I was in so much pain. Cute things he said before I left, "mom I'm sorry you are hurting, dad hold her hand NOW, I will miss you, and I love you!" They wheeled me upstairs since I could BARELY move and Steve waited the 3 minutes outside until Jess got there, pretty much the most amazing girl...got to the hospital which was 40 minutes away right after we got there. I got into a bed to be checked about 11:45 and they told me I was dialated to a 7! And I thought, holy crap, I am not getting an epidural...and then everyone started RUSHING around. I got into a delivery room at 12:00 and at 12:05 was told I wouldn't get the epidural in time. It was going to take 15 minutes and she would be out before then. Since I had never been to this hospital it was taking time to get my labs done and the stickers for my bloodwork printed out. At 12:06 they asked if I would like to start pushing, I said no, but I guess my body said yes. The nurse handled things like a mid wife would and was a great coach. My poor husband and I were in SHOCK plus I was hyperventilating so I couldn't feel my hands, they were numb and hurting, so Steve got the...hold my hand, don't hold my hand, help me speech! At 12:07 I started pushing and she arrived at 12:17 pm. I wasn't even at the hospital for an hour and the doctor who was on call didn't get into the room on time and just walked in to cut the cord and deliver the placenta. Crazy is the only word I can use to describe it! The nurse was fabulous and I didn't even tear. I also felt very empowered and couldn't believe I was still alive since I don't do very well with pain.
Here is the proud, shocked daddy
Here I am once we made it to my recovery room and got her from her bath/warming time
My wonderful mom flew in Saturday evening and Jess picked her up and they came and saw me. Our aunt and uncle are here from Canada at their condo and came and saw us. I think I was still in shock :) and forgot to take out my camera and will have to get their pictures. It was a bummer, but because of the flu and swine flu NO children are allowed in the hospital not even siblings so we didn't take very many pictures while there
Here she is! Very alert...we got to have a party all night from 12:30 until 8 with a 2 hour cat nap :)